Customs foils smuggling at PoM

Manila, Philippines – The Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) has foiled an attempt to smuggle two luxury vehicles and a motorcycle from United States and 1,834 boxes of Korea-made cosmetics that arrived in the Port of Manila (PoM) recently.

The CIIS also seized nine container vans at the PoM loaded with green peas, U-bolts, used shoes and bags, and connectors that were all consigned to fictitious individuals. Customs Commissioner Ruffy Biazon placed the total value of confiscated shipments at P20.2 million as he personally inspected them at the PoM. The high-end motor vehicles Hummer, Chrysler 300 C, and motorcycle Aprilia were valued at P12 million.

They were seized from importer Christina Bitanga McCain for violation of Section 2530 of the Tariffs and Customs Code after she allegedly misdeclared and grossly undervalued her shipment. (Raymund F. Antonio)